What to Wear on the Beach in 2014

Summer might still seem like a lifetime away but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in the mood for some sunshine with some gorgeous new swimwear. This summer is set to see some key trends poolside with prints, vintage cuts and Eastern influences taking centre stage. Gone is last year’s focus on fringing and ruffling as simple cuts are back in. Cut-away styles are still on trend, but not to 2013’s level, so choose carefully if you’re looking for a one-piece to show some extra skin.  

 

Vintage

Vintage cuts are a reoccurring theme in one form or another most seasons and 2014 will be no exception. High-waist shorts and bustiers are a key feature, which is great news for anyone wanting to cover up a little more and still look sexy on the beach. Emma Mulholland’s collection didn’t go as far back to the 1950s, as she focused on super-fun throwback ‘80s style colours and cuts with plenty of neon. 

Navy

Nautical and navy go hand in hand so it’s a natural choice for swimwear and its set to be huge at the beach this summer. At Fashion Week Miami 2013, Chloe showcased beautifully simple swimwear many of which featured block navy colours or stripes. This trend has also been reflected in high street collections with brands such as South Beach Official using navy, and in this case combining the colour with a cute pattern, to create a pretty two-piece.

Go East

There was a definite Eastern vibe on the catwalks for this season’s swimwear with Dolores Cortes’s show delivering dip-dyed swimsuits, animal prints and pieces in the key colours of saffron, gold and red. The models in Cortes’s collection featured stunning gold head dresses and turbans to emphasise the rich exotic theme of the collection. The Eastern trend is great for cover-ups too as kaftans and sarongs in rich shades are the perfect accessory for hitting the beach bar.

Geometric

Mara Hoffman is known for her love of prints and her 2014 collection delivers bright and bold geometric patterns in eye-popping neon, which also have a touch of Eastern influence. Australian label Suboo also used a geometric pattern as their key print this season, this time in white and greys with a touch of colour to give this look a sophisticated feel. Geometrics are a good choice for girls looking to add some shape to their beach outfits as block patterns can create the illusion of curves.

- By Sarah Stewart